Guide to Tuolumne Meadows Trails (1960) by Allan Shields

II. DOG LAKE

(1-easy half day,
800 ft., 3 miles).

This large lake is surrounded by
forest. From its outlet and south side
one can see Mt. Dana. On the trail
up the ridge before the lake, by looking back at appropriate spots one
finds unusual views of the Cathedral
range — Cathedral Peak, Fairview
Dome, and the Bishop’s Backbone.
On warm days, a swim will be welcome refreshment after the climb.
You may want to fish, for this lake,
like most in the region, is planted.
Dog Lake contains brook trout (5, p.
11).

Directions: Walk across the Tuolumne River Bridge. By stopping in
the center and looking upstream you
may see the confluence of the Lyell
Fork and Dana Fork of the river. You
will be looking up Lyell Fork, primarily. Cross the bridge and continue to first road on left. Almost immediately you will see a dirt road
blocked by a chain between log
posts. Behind is a sign reading “Driving Across Meadows Prohibited.”
Pass the posts and follow this dirt
road. Shortly you will find another
sign reading “Dog Lake and Young
Lake.” Continue on this road across
a meadow, a granite slab, and into
the forest. On a tree will be a small
aluminum sign pointing right to the
trail. Simply follow this well worn
trail to the lake. Signs near the lake
will prevent your following the
Young Lake trail.

To return, retrace your route up.
As an alternative, walk around the
lake on the southerly side about
half way, and you will find a fairly
well-defined trail which will take you
down to the main road. Cross the
main road, walking through the forest until you come to the small road
that runs to the Tuolumne Lodge.
When you find this road, turn right
and follow it back to the point of
origin. The distance from the lake to
the main road is one mile.

Special features: Trees: Though
you will encounter mostly lodgepole
pine (3, p. 21) it is possible to find
mountain hemlock (3, p. 34) on your
way up the ridge, as well as western white pine (3, p. 16). On the
circle return trip watch for a few

Mts. Dana and Gibbs dominate the skyline in this view from Dog Lake.
—Anderson, NPS[click to enlarge]

California red fir (3, p. 29) off the
trail.

Several meadows will be encountered near the lake. Here myriad
wildflowers will beg identification,
and never possession. Of course, it is
against park policy to pick any of
them. In season watch for wild carrot, red heather in the gravel slopes,
especially, in the wet spots, and
Mariposa lily.

At the lake, you may see California gulls and other birds mentioned in the Lembert Dome hike.
Listen for the raucous cry of Clark’s
nutcracker, especially when climbing the ridge by Lembert Dome.

The “T” blazes on the trees on
your return trip were placed there by
the Army about 50 years ago, when
part of their function was to patrol
this back country to keep out sheepherders and cattlemen, as well as to
establish trails.